Advancing Research in the Bioinnovation Lab
The Bioinnovation Laboratory is at the forefront of exploring innovative solutions at Kennesaw State in brewing science, fungal pathogen research, sustainable mushroom cultivation, and more. Our commitment to understanding fermentation processes and their effects on flavor and quality drives our studies in brewing, while our investigations into white-nose syndrome aim to protect vulnerable bat populations from a deadly fungal threat. Additionally, we are pioneering sustainable mushroom cultivation methods, utilizing advanced technologies to enhance food production and harness the unique properties of fungi for various applications.
Learn more about our innovative research projects happening to further our growth and sustainability as a community!
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Brewing Science
The Bioinnovation Laboratory is dedicated to advancing the field of brewing science by delving into the fermentation process and its influence on beer flavor and quality. Through innovative techniques like electron microscopy, the lab examines how materials, such as wooden barrels, interact with beer during fermentation. This research not only aims to refine brewing practices but also fosters creativity and collaboration within the brewing industry and the local community.
This particular research focuses on the biological and chemical analyses for industrial beverage fermentation processes.
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White-Nose Syndrome
Pseudogymnoascus destructans (previously Geomyces destructans) is a newly-discovered fungal pathogen responsible for white-nose syndrome in bats. Since its discovery in North America in 2006, it has spread throughout the eastern United States and Canada.
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a lethal fungal disease caused by *Pseudogymnoascus destructans*, threatening bat populations in North America. Characterized by white fungal growth on their skin, WNS primarily impacts bats during hibernation, resulting in high mortality rates.
We are investigating the disease's mechanisms and collaborating to develop effective treatment and prevention strategies, focusing on environmentally safe solutions to address the unique challenges posed by bats' natural habitats.
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Mushroom Cultivation
Utilization of mushrooms and fungi in novel ways, including development of their culinary, biochemical, and structural properties.
Mushroom cultivation offers a sustainable way to enhance food production, leveraging the unique capabilities of fungi to thrive on various substrates, including agricultural waste. The Bioinnovation Laboratory is researching how to develop efficient, low-footprint mushroom growing facilities using modified shipping containers. This initiative focuses on climate adaptability, automated environmental control, and the potential for fungi in bioconversion, with the newly formed VIP Team MycoSolutions exploring innovative applications in food production and beyond.
MycoSolutions – Solving Problems with Fungi